EPL and COE Bargaining Update - We found a way to say YES!

Posted on 2/14/2024

Our apologies to City members who may have received the email notification about this update twice - that was done in error.

On Thursday, February 8, 2024, EPL CSU 52 members overwhelmingly authorized a strike mandate. A 93% voter turnout rate (613 voters) is incredibly high–we should be very proud of the solidarity that we have shown with each other and with our bargaining team. We have all spoken loud and clear. With 94% of voters (578 members) saying YES, we have a super-majority as we head into the next steps of the bargaining process.

Then on Monday, February 12, the CSU 52 members at the City of Edmonton (COE) concluded their strike vote with a 83% voter turnout rate (4,293 voters) - again, this is an incredible turnout rate, especially for a bargaining unit the size of the COE. Of those voters, 91% (3,914) voted Yes to strike.

Remember, a strike mandate does not mean a strike is imminent; it demonstrates to the employer that members are united and serious in our fight for a fair deal and gives the Union the ability to authorize a strike within 72 hours if all else fails or if a lockout is declared.

Both EPL and the COE (as employers) have applied for a lockout vote with the Alberta Labour Relations Board (ALRB). This is a standard practice that employers will take to counter any strike notices, in response to workers utilizing rotating or partial strikes. A lockout notice would likely be served in response to a strike notice, and vice versa. It was critical for both CSU 52 units have strong strike mandates. This not only gives the Union power and leverage in negotiations, but also protects our Collective Agreements in the case of a lockout and allows us to have control in our return-to-work processes and conditions, rather than the employer.

What comes next?

The Union will approach both employers to ask them to get back to their respective bargaining table. What happens next depends on what approach the employers take. If we are unable to reach consensus, it is likely that we will execute our strike mandate. We want both bargaining units (EPL and COE) to take the same action simultaneously as this gives all of us more collective power, impact, and visibility.

It is known that the COE has applied to the ALRB for a “Proposal Vote,” where the employer brings their “best and final” offer to the membership directly, unendorsed by the Union and its bargaining team. It is still to be determined if this Proposal Vote will be put to the COE membership, as it has been challenged by the Union. Proposal Votes are a tactic for employers to compel members to take a bad deal to avoid job action. If a Proposal Vote successfully passes, it ends all negotiations and the employer’s offer becomes the new Collective Agreement.

EPL has not applied for a proposal vote at this time. With the strong strike vote mandate that EPL members provided, it should send a clear message that we are NOT willing to take their “best and final” offer without improvements.

What should I do now?

• Wear red shirts, shorts, pants, socks, scarves, etc. to work as often as you can! This is a simple act of solidarity that is visible and powerful–especially in large numbers. If you have the red bracelets from the EPL Staff Appreciation event, wear them! If you would like bracelets or CSU 52 buttons, let us know!
• Encourage friends, family, and acquaintances to publicly support EPL workers and follow CSU 52 on social media. This could include commenting on EPL’s and COE's social media posts, sharing public messages of support (encourage folks to follow CSU 52 on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), and LinkedIn so they can share the Union’s content), and writing or calling City Councillors and/or EPL Executives. Have fun and be creative, but please be aware of your employer's Social Media policy when posting publicly on your own accounts.
• Stay up to date and engaged with information from the Union and your Shop Stewards. Check your email regularly and ensure information you are getting is accurate. Your Shop Stewards will communicate any next steps or actions as information becomes available.
• Know how to prepare for a strike. As noted above, it is hoped that our strong strike mandates will help to achieve fair contracts without the necessity of a strike; however, it is important that members be prepared for the impacts of a strike. Please see some FAQs here and chat with your Strike Captains about strike preparedness. Should a strike notice be served, the Union will share information about any actions and logistics in advance. Things like mobility issues, parking, washroom access, etc. will all be considered in any strike planning.
• Do not let up nor be intimidated! Employers will attempt to sow division and uncertainty in these times. Keep the conversations going with your colleagues. It is not unusual to feel uneasy or concerned about this process. Let’s validate each other's concerns, share information and updates, and remind each other how our actions will pay off in the end. While we may incur difficulties at this time, we need to take a stand for not only ourselves and our colleagues, but the future workers of EPL and COE. Other people have done this for us, so that we can reap the rewards of their labour actions.

Union engagement and solidarity is at an all-time high. There is no time like the present. We are the safest and the strongest when we are united!